Shoulder Sprain Treatment
A shoulder sprain occurs when there is a tear in the ligaments, which are strong bands of fibrous tissues connecting one bone to another inside or around the joint of the shoulder. It is a common misconception that the shoulder has a single joint between the humerus and the torso, though it actually has numerous smaller joints outside the socket of the arm bone.
Judicious and board certified orthopedic surgeons at the Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute provide treatments for shoulder sprain to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations across the horizon.
Types of Shoulder Sprain
Spraining the shoulder could indicate a fiber stretch as well as a partial or a fully torn ligament or joint capsule. A ligament tearing sprain in the shoulder mostly takes place at the joint between the collarbone and acromion, referred to as the acromioclavicular joint.
A shoulder sprain is sometimes also known as a shoulder separation. In certain cases, a shoulder sprain may occur in the sternoclavicular joint between the collarbone and the breastbone, which is located within an inch of the chest’s midline.
Symptoms
The symptoms of shoulder sprain vary according to how serious the injury is. It can range from mild to severe, and includes shoulder pain, usually at the joint’s front portion. A patient can also feel tenderness if they press the injured area. Really bad shoulder sprains can lead to a shoulder joint instability.
Causes
A force or a heavy impact on the arm, which stretches the shoulder ligaments, usually causes a sprained shoulder. This occurs particularly when the force makes the arm go back when it is raised to a level of 90 degrees at the shoulder. The impact can stretch or tear the capsule or ligaments at the front of the shoulder.
A shoulder sprain is not a common occurrence because the shoulder ligaments are generally quite strong. Moreover, the muscles located at the shoulder’s front portion, such as the pectorals, are more inclined to get injured first.
Treatment
The sprain type and its grade influence the injury’s treatment.
Acromioclavicular joint sprains
If it is a Grade I or II sprain, then the surgeon will advise rest, cold therapy, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen to get relief from swelling and pain. The arm is also placed in a sling for one to three weeks. If the injury is of Grade III, then the sling has to be worn for four weeks, and in some cases, surgery may be required.
Sternoclavicular joint sprains
For Grade I sprains, rest, cold therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. The arm is put in a sling for one to two weeks. If the injury is of Grade II level, then the patient has to wear the sling for three to six weeks. Grade III sprains are treated with a procedure called closed reduction, where the displaced collarbone is carefully put back into place.
Outstanding, stellar, and board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and other towns and cities in this part of America for the treatment of shoulder sprains.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.